Important C-band Update: FCC Issues List of Unresponsive Earth Stations

The FCC is continuing to move forward with the transition of 280 MHz of C-band spectrum from satellite downlink to 5G use. The FCC has set an aggressive transition timetable that anticipates 5G operation by the end of 2021. To protect existing content distribution, the FCC provided incumbent C-band earth station operators the opportunity to register their earth stations to obtain filters and other equipment necessary to accommodate that transition and avoid disruption. As part of the transition process, the FCC established a relocation coordinator to help ensure that satellite use is transitioned out of 5G spectrum and interference does not occur to incumbent satellite earth stations.

A number of C-band earth station operators have ignored outreach by the FCC relocation coordinator. On January 19, the FCC released a Public Notice stating that non-responsive earth stations may not be protected from interference and may have their authorizations cancelled by the FCC. We urge you to review the FCC Public Notice and the attached list of non-responsive earth station operators to ensure none of your stations are listed as non-responsive. Please contact the NAB Legal department with any questions.